Definition of 96 equal temperament
In music, 96 equal temperament, called 96-TET, 96-EDO ("Equal Division of the Octave"), or 96-ET, is the tempered scale derived by dividing the octave into 96 equal steps (equal frequency ratios). Each step represents a frequency ratio of
{\displaystyle {\sqrt[{96}]{2}}}, or 12.5 cents. Since 96 factors into 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, and 96, it contains all of those temperaments. Most humans can only hear differences of 6 cents on notes that are played sequentially, and this amount varies according to the pitch, so the use of larger divisions of octave can be considered unnecessary. Smaller differences in pitch may be considered vibrato or stylistic devices.
Related terms
22 equal temperament
In music, 22 equal temperament, called 22-TET, 22-EDO, or 22-ET, is the tempered scale…
15 equal temperament
In music, 15 equal temperament, called 15-TET, 15-EDO, or 15-ET, is a tempered scale…
17 equal temperament
In music, 17 equal temperament is the tempered scale derived by dividing the octave into…
19 equal temperament
In music, 19 equal temperament, called 19 TET, 19 EDO ("Equal Division of the Octave")…
23 equal temperament
In music, 23 equal temperament, called 23-TET, 23-EDO ("Equal Division of the Octave")…
53 equal temperament
In music, 53 equal temperament, called 53 TET, 53 EDO, or 53 ET, is the tempered scale…
72 equal temperament
In music, 72 equal temperament, called twelfth-tone, 72 TET, 72 EDO, or 72 ET, is the…
41 equal temperament
In music, 41 equal temperament, abbreviated 41-TET, 41-EDO, or 41-ET, is the tempered…
31 equal temperament
In music, 31 equal temperament, 31 ET, which can also be abbreviated 31 TET (31 tone…
Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
- Do the violins imitate equal temperament when accompanying the piano? · Music SE
- Why did equal temperament become the standard tuning system for keyboard instruments? · Music SE
- Do people with perfect pitch distinguish between equal temperament and just temperament? · Music SE
- From the piano tuner's viewpoint, what needs to be done in order to achieve "equal temperament"? · Music SE
Frequently asked questions
What is 96 equal temperament?
In music, 96 equal temperament, called 96-TET, 96-EDO ("Equal Division of the Octave"), or 96-ET, is the tempered scale derived by dividing the octave into 96 equal steps (equal frequency ratios). Each step represents a frequency ratio of